Snickerdoodle Crème Brûlée

By
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Diana Rattray
Southern-cuisine expert and cookbook author Diana Rattray has created more than 5,000 recipes and articles in her 20 years as a food writer.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/20/22
Snickerdoodle Creme Brulee
Diana Rattray
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 45 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
430 Calories
33g Fat
26g Carbs
8g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 430
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 33g 43%
Saturated Fat 20g 99%
Cholesterol 275mg 92%
Sodium 108mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 26g 9%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 25g
Protein 8g
Vitamin C 0mg 2%
Calcium 83mg 6%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 139mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Crème brûlée is a rich, creamy custard with a hard caramelized sugar topping. Classic creme brulee is generally flavored with vanilla, but the flavor possibilities are endless. 

This delicious version is based on everyone's favorite snickerdoodle cookies, with cinnamon in the cream and on the finished caramelized topping. It's a fabulous dessert to make for fall and winter holiday dinners and parties.

The caramelized sugar will turn to liquid in the refrigerator, so don't caramelize the topping until serving time.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, preferably Saigon or Vietnamese cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling over the tops

  • 5 large egg yolks

  • 1 dash salt

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 3 tablespoons superfine sugar, raw sugar, or granulated sugar

Steps to Make It

  1. Combine the heavy cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon of cinnamon in a heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring until the mixture just begins to simmer. Remove the pan from the heat and let it cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.

  2. Heat the oven to 325 F.

  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the salt. Gradually whisk the cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Whisk in the vanilla extract and then divide the custard among the 6 ramekins. 

  4. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Carefully add the water to the outer pan holding the ramekins to a depth of about halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

  5. Bake the crème brûlée for 30 to 35 minutes, or until there is only slight jiggle in the centers of the custards.

  6. Remove the ramekins to a rack to cool. 

  7. Discard the water in the outer pan and place the ramekins back in the pan. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until they are completely chilled.

  8. Just before serving time, put about 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons of raw sugar, superfine sugar, or granulated sugar on a serving of crème brûlée. Gently move the ramekin on the countertop in a circular motion to distribute the sugar evenly. 

  9. Slowly move a blowtorch or small kitchen torch back and forth over the crème brûlée, caramelizing a section at a time. Using a pot holder or oven mitt—the ramekins will be hot—turn the ramekins and continue caramelizing the tops until all of the sugar is melted and the top is browned. Repeat with as many custards as you plan to serve. The caramelized sugar should harden within about 2 to 3 minutes.

  10. Alternatively, the creme brulees may be browned under the broiler. Add the sugar to the tops and place them under a heated broiler just until the sugar has caramelized. Watch them carefully and rotate the pan with the creme brulees about halfway through.

  11. Sprinkle the caramelized tops lightly with a pinch of cinnamon.

Glass Bakeware Warning

Do not use glass bakeware when broiling or when a recipe calls to add liquid to a hot pan, as glass may explode. Even if it states oven-safe or heat-resistant, tempered glass products can, and do, break occasionally.